Semi-automatic rifle receiver with integrated scope mount

ABSTRACT

A semi-automatic rifle receiver including a housing for operating parts of the rifle and an integrated scope mount. The semi-automatic rifle receiver also includes strengthening and stabilizing features associated with the integrated scope mount. The scope mount may be a picatinny rail, a weaver rail, or some other form of mount, base, or rail. Iron sights may be included or omitted. The scope mount may be integrated by virtue of having been cast as part of the receiver, machined as part of the receiver, welded to the receiver, or otherwise affixed as an integrated part of the receiver.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/594,496 titled “Rifle Receiver” and filed 12 Jan. 2015 in the name of the same inventor as this non-provisional application, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/926,161 titled “A significant improvement to the standard M1A/M14 rifle receiver” and filed 10 Jan. 2014 in the name of the same inventor as this non-provisional application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to a semi-automatic rifle receiver including an integrated scope mount.

SUMMARY

A semi-automatic rifle receiver according to aspects of the subject technology includes a housing for operating parts of the rifle and an integrated scope mount. The semi-automatic rifle receiver also includes strengthening and stabilizing features associated with the integrated scope mount. The scope mount may be a picatinny rail, a weaver rail, or some other form of mount, base, or rail. Iron sights may be included or omitted. The scope mount may be integrated by virtue of having been cast as part of the receiver, machined as part of the receiver, welded to the receiver, or otherwise affixed as an integrated part of the receiver.

In some aspects, the operating parts correspond to a standard M1A/M14 receiver. The strengthening and stabilizing features may include some, none, or all of the following:

-   -   omission of a scope mounting threaded hole and locating groove         typically found on the standard M1A/M14 receiver;     -   thickening as compared to the standard M1A/M14;     -   increased side area, lack of holes/groves, and a wrap-around         configuration as compared to the standard M1A/M14;     -   increased height to support the integrated scope mount as         compared to the standard M1A/M14 receiver; and/or     -   increased width to support the integrated scope mount as         compared to the standard M1A/M14 receiver.

This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of the invention may be understood quickly. Additional steps and/or different steps than those set forth in this summary may be used. A more complete understanding of the invention may be obtained by reference to the following description in connection with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a semi-automatic rifle receiver according to aspects of the subject technology.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the semi-automatic rifle receiver illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the semi-automatic rifle receiver illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of the semi-automatic rifle receiver illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/926,161 titled “A significant improvement to the standard M1A/M14 rifle receiver” and filed 10 Jan. 2014 in the name of the same inventor as this non-provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/594,496 titled “Rifle Receiver” and filed 12 Jan. 2015 in the name of the same inventor as this non-provisional application is also hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. These applications are referred to as the “incorporated documents” below.

General

Current M1A/M14 rifles include receivers that require multiple parts to be assembled on the receiver in order for a scope to be properly and securely mounted. (The receiver is the portion of a semi-automatic rifle that houses at least some of the rifle's operating components, for example a bolt carrier group, trigger group, and magazine port.) In most cases, the parts required to be assembled include a scope mount, a left side receiver screw, two screws in a stripper clip dove tail, and one or two screws on a forward portion of the receiver above the barrel. The screws hold the scope mount in place.

Current mounts and associated parts are typically made either of aluminum or steel. The quality of each part is varied depending on where the part is manufactured. Each of the parts may shift or otherwise move out of alignment. As one result, the probability of misalignment of attached optics may increase with every shot taken with the rifle. At ranges exceeding 1,000 meters, this misalignment may be significantly compounded. Thus, the current arrangement provides an inconsistent rifle platform. Other platforms besides the M1A/M14 also suffer from these issues.

A semi-automatic rifle receiver according to aspects of the subject technology addresses the foregoing issue by including a housing for operating parts of the rifle and an integrated scope mount. The semi-automatic rifle receiver also includes strengthening and stabilizing features associated with the integrated scope mount.

The scope mount may be integrated by virtue of having been cast as part of the receiver, machined as part of the receiver, welded to the receiver, or otherwise affixed as an integrated part of the receiver. This arrangement may greatly reduce or even eliminate the possibility of optic misalignment and the probability of additional parts moving. The arrangement may also significantly increase the simplicity of mounting optics onto the receiver, improve the rigidity and accuracy of a semi-automatic rifle that includes the receiver, and/or increase the reliability of the platform in a variety of environments.

The scope mount may be a picatinny rail, a weaver rail, or some other form of mount, base, or rail. Although the term “scope mount” is used in this disclosure, devices other than scopes, for example low-light optics, range finders, lights, and the like, may also be mounted on the scope mount. Iron sights may be included or omitted. The scope mount may have 0 MOA, 20 MOA, or any other MOA. (MOA is moments of angle—a measure of the angle between the scope mount and a barrel mounted in the receiver).

In some aspects, the operating parts correspond to a standard M1A/M14 receiver. The strengthening and stabilizing features may include some, none, or all of the following:

-   -   omission of a scope mounting threaded hole and locating groove         typically found on the standard M1A/M14 receiver;     -   thickening as compared to the standard M1A/M14;     -   increased side area, lack of holes/groves, and a wrap-around         configuration as compared to the standard M1A/M14;     -   increased height to support the integrated scope mount as         compared to the standard M1A/M14 receiver; and/or     -   increased width to support the integrated scope mount as         compared to the standard M1A/M14 receiver.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a semi-automatic rifle receiver configured in the above-described manner. The figure shows receiver 10 including housing 12 for operating components of a semi-automatic rifle.

According to aspects of the subject technology, receiver 10 also includes integrated scope mount 14. The illustrated scope mount is a picatinny rail. Other types of scope mounts may be used, for example but not limited to a weaver rail.

Preferable, the scope mount is integrated with the housing by virtue of having been cast or machined as part of the receiver when the receiver was manufactured. Alternatively, the scope mount may be attached to an existing receiver in some suitably durable fashion, for example but not limited to being welded to the housing.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 shows different views of the receiver shown in FIG. 1.

Details of Enhancements to Receiver

In some aspects, receiver 10 is modified as compared to a standard M1A/M14 receiver (i.e., a standard receiver that includes a housing for standard M1A/M14 operating parts). These modifications are intended to provide increased strength and stability for the integrated scope mount. Examples of such modifications are illustrated in the figures of the incorporated documents and this document. Descriptions of some of these modifications are provided below. The modifications are not necessarily limited to the following descriptions, and the subject technology may include some, all, or none of the described modifications.

Left side 60 (FIG. 4) of receiver 10 lacks a scope mounting threaded hole and locating groove typically found on a standard M1A/M14 receiver. Left side 60 of receiver 10 also is thicker as compared to a standard M1A/M14. Left side further is flush (i.e., flat) with scope mount 14 and incorporates standard dimensions for a magazine release lever attachment base, unlike a standard M1A/M14 receiver. The receiver according to these depicted aspects of the subject technology may result in increased side area, lack of holes/groves, and a wrap-around configuration. These features are intended to reduce harmonics and increase stability by strengthening receiver 10, merging receiver 10 into scope mount 14, and increasing receiver 10's mass as compared to a standard M1A/M14 receiver.

If receiver 10 is configured for a left-handed shooter, the “left side” characteristics may be applied to the right side of receiver 10.

Scope mount base 62 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of receiver 10 has increased height and width to support scope mount 14 as compared to a standard M1A/M14 receiver. The height of base 62 has been increased so that scope mount 14 is positioned similarly to a non-integrated scope mount attached to a standard M1A/M14 receiver. As a result, standard ballistics tables and calculators may be used with a receiver modified according to aspects of the subject technology.

End 64 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) of scope mount 14 extends out and above receiver 10 as compared to a typical non-integrated scope mount bolted to a standard M1A/M14 receiver.

Front 66 (FIGS. 1 and 3) of receiver 10 with integrated scope mount 14 lacks an open iron sight base as compared to a standard M1A/M14 receiver. Instead, the front is closed and made of solid material (e.g., steel) in an attempt to further strengthen receiver 10 and scope mount 14.

Commercial Configurations

Some possible details of contemplated commercial configurations and possible variations of a semi-automatic rifle that includes a receiver according to aspects of the subject technology follow. Some explanatory and/or marking information also is included. The invention is not limited to the details of these embodiments, possible variations, explanatory information, and marketing information.

M35A1: A semi-automatic rifle using a receiver based on an M1A/M14 rifle platform designed as a Designated Marksman Rifle. Features may include:

-   -   Chambered for 7.62 NATO rounds (same as current M1A/M14)     -   Integrated 7.5″ long picatinny mount     -   20 MOA (minutes of angle) picatinny rail     -   Stronger receiver     -   Greater accuracy     -   CNC machined from 8620 steel billet     -   Mil-spec heat treated and phosphate finished     -   Accepts all commercial or military semi-automatic components

M35M1: An M35A1 modified to redesign the bolt for a large case, the box magazines for a wider case body, and the barrel threads for a new match barrel machined to the 300 RUSAM (0.300 Remington Ultra Short Action Magnum) dimensions.

The gas system, operating rod, scope base and other components may not necessarily need to be changed. The advantages of this combination are, first, the currently military training on the use and maintenance of the M1A/M14 can be immediately applied to the M35M1, second, the military already has component parts and accessories in stock, and third, the increase in weight may lead to better accuracy and longevity.

M35M2: The receiver includes an increased receiver length around the barrels threads from one inch to two inches. This is to increase the strength of the attachment point of the barrel and receiver. This may also decrease the harmonic vibration that impairs accuracy. The result of the M2 improvements may provide a greater effective range of the platform and cartridge.

M34A1: The receiver is designed to meet the majority of commercial requirements for an all-around effective battle rifle platform. The M34A1 retains the standard iron sights from the original M1A/M14 but includes the integrated picatinny scope base of the M35 series. The picatinny rail is machined at 0 MOA to allow for use from 0 to 1000 m. The rails system may take all the standard optics and accessories to meet the customer's requirements. The optimal barrel length for the M34A1 may be the 18″ barrel as used on the scout rifle platforms. This may allow the user a shorter rifle than the current M1A/M14 or M35 to be used in close quarter conditions but still retain the solid scope base for any long range engagements out to 1000 m.

Mini-34A1: The receiver will actually be smaller rather than larger. The commercial demand may be for a shorter platform with a smaller cartridge. Primarily designed as an upgrade of the famous Ruger Mini-14.

Mini-35: The receiver is designed as a “scope only” model for use with a heavy varmint barrel and chambered for a variety of cartridges.

Mini-34ARC: A standard Mini-34 receiver with traditional iron sights improved by the addition of an integrated picatinny rail and mated to an SR 556 barrel and piston assembly. This design addresses poor characteristics that have plagued the Mini-14 from inception. The number one problem was the small outside diameter barrel which came in only one length. The thin barrel flexed too much for most long range accurate shooters. The number two problem was the poor gas system. It worked but was required to be completely disassembled to be cleaned properly and once re-assembled the point of aim had to be re-established.

The Mini-34ARC would have an AR style barrel usually produced in heavy contour and in a variety of lengths from pistol length of 10″ to the ultimate varmint rifle length of 26″. The second benefit would be the gas system. This is a robust system designed for maximum use and requires very little maintenance or complete disassembly for cleaning The rifle combination may weigh more than the original Mini-14 but may exhibit significantly improved reliability and accuracy.

M-134 Carbine: A receiver based off of the M-1 Carbine receiver. The receiver may be configured for various cartridges, including but not limited to standard 30 Carbine, 9 MM, 40S&W, 10 MM, 45ACP, 45 Winchester Magnum, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 41 Magnum, 44 Special, and 44 Magnum.

M-34/240MF and the Mini-34/249MF: Off-shoots of the M34M2 platform but with inter-changeable barrels. The extended receiver length may allow this unique design feature of using standard military specification barrel assemblies from M240 and M249 SAWs.

M-34/240 and Mini-34/249: Belt-fed versions.

M-144: Based on the M-1 Garand receiver/platform including iron sights.

M-145: Based on the M-1 Garand receiver/platform, but not including iron sights.

Note: In the foregoing, the “M” designation indicates 2″ barrel threads as opposed to the shorter threads in a standard AR-14 receiver. Other size barrel threads may be used.

Scope of Invention

The invention is in no way limited to the specifics of any particular embodiments and examples disclosed herein. For example, the terms “aspect,” “example,” “preferably,” “alternatively” and the like denote features that may be preferable but not essential to include in some embodiments of the invention. In addition, details illustrated or disclosed with respect to any one aspect of the invention may be used with other aspects of the invention. Additional elements and/or steps may be added to various aspects of the invention and/or some disclosed elements and/or steps may be subtracted from various aspects of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Singular elements/steps imply plural elements/steps and vice versa. Some steps may be performed serially, in parallel, in a pipelined manner, or in different orders than disclosed herein. Many other variations are possible which remain within the content, scope and spirit of the invention, and these variations would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this application. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A semi-automatic rifle receiver comprising: a housing for operating parts of the rifle; an integrated scope mount; wherein the semi-automatic rifle receiver includes strengthening and stabilizing features associated with the integrated scope mount.
 2. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 1, wherein the scope mount comprises a picatinny rail.
 3. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 1, wherein the scope mount comprises a weaver rail.
 4. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 1, wherein the scope mount comprises a rail and iron sights.
 5. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 1, wherein the scope mount is integrated by virtue of having been cast as part of the receiver.
 6. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 1, wherein the scope mount is integrated by virtue of having been machined as part of the receiver.
 7. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 1, wherein the scope mount is integrated by virtue of having been welded to the receiver.
 8. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 1, wherein the operating parts correspond to a standard M1A/M14 receiver.
 9. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 8, wherein the strengthening and stabilizing features comprise omission of a scope mounting threaded hole and locating groove typically found on the standard M1A/M14 receiver.
 10. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 8, wherein the strengthening and stabilizing features comprise thickening as compared to the standard M1A/M14.
 11. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 8, wherein the strengthening and stabilizing features comprise increased side area, lack of holes/groves, and a wrap-around configuration as compared to the standard M1A/M14.
 12. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 8, wherein the strengthening and stabilizing features comprise increased height to support the integrated scope mount as compared to the standard M1A/M14 receiver.
 13. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 8, wherein the strengthening and stabilizing features comprise increased width to support the integrated scope mount as compared to the standard M1A/M14 receiver.
 14. A semi-automatic rifle receiver as in claim 8, wherein the strengthening and stabilizing features comprise increased height and width to support the integrated scope mount as compared to the standard M1A/M14 receiver. 